FIXTITLE Joan Lesley.docx
LIFE IS A JOURNEY
The Story
Of
Joan Lesley
Have you ever held a conversation with someone that possessed such a positive personality, that when you both went your separate ways you felt in a way ‘recharged?’ Ready to do something. Like you can take on the world. I’ve crossed paths with a number of amazing people in this industry. There are a few that I would like to fold up, tuck in my pocket, and carry around with me everywhere I go. They are the ones that exude confidence, but not too much. Faith to see things through, despite any situation. And lastly; hope. Which to me is a dying belief. So many of us have forgotten that with hope and a little positivity, anything is possible. There is always a silver-lining. That’s where hope tends to hide.
Joan Lesley was born and raised in a small town located in eastern Oklahoma, between two mountains, called Talihina. Her father, an ex-Marine fought in the Korean War and also spent close to 60 years trucking after serving in the military. 28 years he drove long haul, before running his last 30 for a local lumber company. Joan’s mother stayed home, but we all know not to underestimate the duties of a stay at home parent. Especially back during the 50’s and 60’s. Raising a family, tending to land; all of it was extremely hands-on. Her grandmother (on her mother’s side) is full blood Choctaw Indian. Once you tally up Joan’s lineage, it’s obvious why she is a force to be reckoned with. Proud of her Native American heritage, Joan stands 5 foot 4 with the heart of a 500 pound lion.
She says, “I’m 59 years old and I’m still learning. If feels good to do that! If I can work to my fullest ability, learning more every chance I can and try the best I can in the profession that I chose, I will. I mean, why not? Why wouldn’t anyone?” In hearing Joan finish with that question, I know that it wasn’t said to be answered, but she makes a valid point. Why wouldn’t you? After speaking with this firecracker, I was pumped and ready to go snatch up puppies and bunnies from the rescue shelter, cook homemade pies, and jump in a semi with my foot to the pedal. Sadly though, in my reality I can’t do any of the above, but if anyone were to inspire me to feel as if I could… Joan is the one. Believe me, if I could squeeze this woman into my pocket I would. Then I’d pass her to you. She’s our walking, smiling, happy, lucky penny.
Without going too in depth with Joan’s background the area she grew up in was, and still is, rich in culture. She was surrounded by diversity and open lands to explore. She was also able to tap into trucking years before her calling. In turn, shaping her hind-sight to an advantage that many of us missed out on. Joan’s outlook on everyday life is more clear and simple than most.
Among her hobbies were fishing, hiking, and exploring around the mountains and lake nearby with friends and cousins. After graduating high school at 18, Joan moved away from home to attend a Native American college studying photo journalism. Missing home, she came back after a few months and enrolled in a technical school. This time taking a different direction. “I thought, this is interesting. I think I’ll try this; aviation electronics,” she said.
Within the next year, Joan’s grandmother suffered a stroke and passed. Being the two had a close relationship, her death hit Joan hard. She says, “I didn’t go back to school. I needed some time.” They say only time can heal a broken heart.
Joan became eager for a change. Considering joining the Marines, she went to her father for advice. “I was already familiar with the Marines and of course it was my first thought because of my dad, but for me he suggested the Air Force or Navy. He just turned 82 in July and is still tough as ever. I trusted what he had to say. I still do,” she said. That same year in 1978 she left for Orlando, Florida to attend six weeks of boot camp. Next, she was off to the Naval Training Center in San Diego to continue schooling. Six months later she was sent to work in the communications area, attached to the Navy Seals. For the following three years, her days working with the special operations forces varied in specific orders and at any given location. At the end of her term in 1981, Joan opted out and relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Fresh out of the Navy, she was unsure of what was next. One thing was for sure. Her tough mentality, as thick as her skin was given an extra layer, courtesy of her military experience. She soon aligned herself with a group of friends that all shared the same work ethic. At the time the construction business was booming in Dallas, Texas. Together, they all went for it. She explains, “Construction was going on in every direction you turned! My friends told me, ‘This is where the money is at.’ But I didn’t immediately jump into the construction trade.” Even as a kid, Joan always had a sense of urgency to learn. She wanted to keep progressing in all ways possible. So she enrolled at DeVry University, studying computer programming.
In the meantime, a contractor had taken Joan under his wing and began teaching her the tricks of the trade. She started small with hanging sheetrock, painting, and texturing. She picked up quick. Eventually she found herself working for major contractors building residential and commercial developments. Her credentials grew from construction on high-rises to historical buildings, townhouses, condos, and mansions. For 15 years, Joan perfected her craft. When business began to slow down, she was 44. She says, “I wanted something permanent. I remember my dad had said many years prior that there will always be a need for professional truck drivers. Even during difficult times, our economy will always need them.”
Exactly like her father, she turned to trucking. After trucking school and earning her CDL, she began looking for her first trucking company. She found one based out of Phoenix that had a terminal in Oklahoma City. With the opportunity to be close to home, she knew this was her chance to get in the business. They put her in a long nose Freightliner FLD. Her first haul with a trainer was to a major franchise in Corpus Christi, Texas. She ran a week with him and another with the next trainer. It was her last trainer that hit home with her. “She was a fiery redhead that would tell you like it is,” Joan said. “She told me that it’s a tough profession, but if I paid attention and stayed safe that I could do it.”
Once Joan learned the ropes, she went out on her own. She initially started out running regional, staying primarily within their 15 state area. When she made the switch to OTR, another trucking company offered her a position with incentives that she couldn’t turn down. For over two years she hauled general freight, staying out two weeks at a time. Over the span of eight years Joan continued to travel across the country as a company driver for a few businesses. Many times as a certified trainer.
On October 25th, 2011 Joan put in an application at Tango Transport, LLC in Shreveport, Louisiana. The next day a recruiter contacted her and she joined the team at Tango that same day. Joan labels Tango as the best company she has ever worked for. She continues, “The people here are sincerely genuine. They’re honest when explaining things, not misleading. Their way of thinking and how they deal with issues makes a huge difference. All problems are addressed. They work to solve them by action, not just talk. The company doesn’t separate themselves from the drivers. They are constantly looking to improve things to be beneficial to not only us as drivers, but for the company as a whole. It starts from the top with a ‘can do’ attitude as a team. That’s important.” She adds, “With bonus longevity and pay raises, there is room to grow financially.” Joan also appreciates the close friendship formed with her dispatcher, Reagan Coble. Because of Reagan’s patience and great communication skills, Joan pushes herself to excel. She says, “Reagan can be firm, but she is very mature, polite, and kind. She’s a joy to work with here.” Her experience hauling paper products helped land her a dedicated lane, averaging 2,500 miles a week. Which also allows her to be home every weekend. She is currently in a 2015 10-speed International with a Detroit engine.
As a veteran of the Navy, a skilled tradesman, and a professional truck driver Joan’s journey has been anything but boring. She says, “My life has been exciting! See, there are two types of fear that dominate your life. One will hold you back from discovering your own strengths and courage. And the other fear is completely healthy. You have to find the balance. Don’t be afraid to try things. Make your life full.”
In her 15 years of trucking she has earned over 1 ½ million safe miles to her name. She credits her father as her biggest influence. As a leader, a role model, and as a trucker. He taught her to always have integrity in your work. To put quality into it. Listen to other’s suggestions. Most importantly, do the best you can. Joan perceives trucking as a continuing education. Which is right up her alley.
She states that there have been many challenging days for her. In each career that she has mastered. None have held any precedence. Instead, every obstacle she turned into learning tools. Each day she remains positive and grateful, fun and full of life. It all goes back to her parents and grandparents, the way they surrounded her with love and affirmed her confidence that she could do anything.
On her days off, she enjoys cooking home cooked meals with her youngest sister. Discussing all of the amazing discoveries in space with her cousin. She still finds solitude in venturing outdoors, just as she did as a kid. Camping and fishing with family will always be one of her favorite past times. She visits with her father very often. Together they’ll go out to eat, or sit around and catch up.
She tells me that she thinks about her trainees a lot. Being in the trucking industry, it’s no secret that it is extremely dangerous as it is rewarding. Staying safe is Joan’s primary objective behind the wheel. “You have to pay attention when you are trucking. Knowing that and seeing what I’ve seen, I hope all of the drivers that I’ve helped along the way are happy and safe.” Traveling the roads, even though she is on a specific route still keeps her spirits high. She closes our conversation, acknowledging her repeated work schedule, but still finds every day different. They might not all be perfect days. They somehow have a way of working out though. Keep pouring positive input into your life, and ignore the rest.